Travel to one of the highest cities in the world to see the San Francisco Church and Museum. The church was founded in the middle of the 16th century and is part of the oldest monastery in Bolivia. However, the current building dates from the 18th century. Go on one of the guided tours, which are conducted in Spanish. Even if you don't speak the language an exploration of the church is well worth it for the religious art, catacombs and stunning views from the roof.
Before going inside, pause to look over the structure, including the grandiose main entrance. Explore the interior, especially the museum. Study oil paintings of St. Francis of Assisi, sculptures and depictions of martyrs and saints. Other works include The Erection of the Cross by Melchor Pérez de Holguín, a Baroque painter from the 17th and 18th centuries. Go to the main altar for one of the church’s star attractions, a statue of Jesus, which has real hair sprouting from it.
Walk down the stairs and into the catacombs, where there are collections of human bones, including a chest full of skulls and a skull laid out in a monk's robe.
Complete your visit by climbing up the tower and onto the roof of the church for expansive views of the city and Cerro Rico. These are the silver mines that once held one of the largest deposits of silver in the world.
Tours of San Francisco Church and Museum are available every day except Sunday and there is a fee for entry. After your visit, get around to some of Potosi's other major sites of interest. These include the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the Cerro Rico silver mines and the National Mint of Bolivia. This 18th-century building features old silver coins, objects made of silver and coin-making equipment. Guided tours are conducted in several languages, including English.
